Dirtco's 1999 4Runner Build

[Dirtco]

All right dood. Either you have been working on your tire carrier or you have been snow wheeling. Either way, I want pictures.:whipping2

How about both?

We really haven't gotten much snow but I did take the 4Runner out wheeling, also checked out some "possible" new snow wheeling trails. Sadly, they didn't pan out. I'll post a couple pictures soon.

I've been working on the tire carrier a bunch, mainly a little here and a little there. Progress has been slow, but it's all coming together now. The latch is done, along with the carrier itself, but I'm still working on some of the details. I'll try to take some pictures this weekend.

I am looking forward to seeing Jeremiah snow wheeling pics. Colorado has some awesome scenery.

We need some snow first; soon, very soon!

What are your hub to fender measurements if you dont mind me asking? I love how low your rig sits.

Let me get the carrier mounted and the suspension tweaked, then I can get some measurements (if your not in a hurry).

 

[Dirtco]

 

[snivilous]

Where is this and how do I get there?! Awesome pics

 

[TCMach]

Where is this and how do I get there?! Awesome pics

x2 on this. I may come down there just to wheel with you.

 

[Dirtco]

Where is this and how do I get there?! Awesome pics

x2 on this. I may come down there just to wheel with you.

Thanks guy's! Here is the link, I was up the Middle Fork of the trail system.

TrailDamage.com - Swan River

It's really a better trail to check out in the Summer as even a little snow will halt progress, it's just too steep and off camber. It also has a seasonal gate that will close in a little over a week. I know a couple other area's that don't have gates if you guy's want to do some snow wheeling this winter, just let me know!

 

[Dirtco]

Here is the current progress of the tire carrier, since [MENTION=62779]Kurtis[/MENTION] and a couple other's were asking how it was going. Working with round tubing has been complicated, but it's all coming together. We left off with the basic structure complete, from the hinge to the tire mount.

Next up was to figure out the latch and support, this took a lot of time to dial in. I'm going to let the pictures do the talking, if you have questions just let me know.

 

[Dirtco]

Extra gusset and bracing





The bottom is threaded, I'm going to have a reverse light bolted to it.

 

[Dirtco]

Here is what I came up with for the lock open pin, it's 1/2" plate. I still need to figure out the truck side, but that shouldn't be too hard.

 

[Dirtco]

I installed some small sections of tube to run the wiring/loom through. I prefer this over a bunch of zip-tie's.







Licence plate light platform

 

[t4r4life]

Im gonna try to say this without sounding like a little fan girl




























EVERYTHING YOU DO IS PERFECTION!!!!!!

 

[Kurtis]

I think you have a groupie. ^^^

It's looking really good. You are really taking it over the top on this one. I am always blown away by your fabrication skills. Okay, maybe you have 2 groupies now...

 

[ToyoTech]

i should have waited on my swing out build till after i saw all the little features you did to yours lol. looks great

 

[Dirtco]

Im gonna try to say this without sounding like a little fan girl

EVERYTHING YOU DO IS PERFECTION!!!!!!

I think you have a groupie. ^^^

It's looking really good. You are really taking it over the top on this one. I am always blown away by your fabrication skills. Okay, maybe you have 2 groupies now...

Hahaha, Thanks guys!!!

It's far from perfect, but it was nice to take my time and think outside the box a little. The tire carrier is installed, I need to wrap up some of the little details and put some miles on it. I also reinstalled the rear bump stop cones, and replaced the Bilstien shocks with a set of new black Tokico factory Landcruiser shocks. (Here is a link for those that do not know what they are). The Bilstien's that came with my SS lift were was too soft with all the weight I carry, I knew that adding the spare tire would send me over the edge.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...em-black-tokico-80-series-lc-shocks-rear.html

And here is a quick sneak peek of the carrier in place! I still need to install the reverse light, wire the license plate light, and do a couple other little things. I will take better pictures later when I get some time.

 

[TheArkMaster]

Looks awesome man! good job on the tire carrier! It turned out well. What did you use to keep it closed? The latch or just the bump stop thing (if you know what i'm talking about).

 

[JohnBill53]

[MENTION=67615]Dirtco[/MENTION] This is the cleanest rear tire carrier ever, from the welds to the finished product. :hail: I'm truly envious of your style and abilities haha

 

[rideexileex]

Carrier props!

Hey now that you've hit the snow, or at least a sneak peek, what are your thoughts on the extra grooves in the KM2's? Any new impressions for traction / slip / lateral stability? Any change in noise?

 

[Volcom]

Looks like your new phone takes good pictures!

 

[Dirtco]

Looks awesome man! good job on the tire carrier! It turned out well. What did you use to keep it closed? The latch or just the bump stop thing (if you know what i'm talking about).

Thank you! The latch is what keeps the carrier closed, the spacer behind the latch and the semi-circle cut outs preload the the latch. The white plastic block allows you to lift, and slide the carrier in place (I wanted the spindle to have as little "twisting" pressure on it as possible while driving around). The "bullet" is to prevent upward movement and twisting.

 

[TheArkMaster]

Thats awesome man. Job well done.

 

[Dirtco]

[MENTION=67615]Dirtco[/MENTION] This is the cleanest rear tire carrier ever, from the welds to the finished product. :hail: I'm truly envious of your style and abilities haha

Thank you! That's quite the complement! It's not the ideal tire carrier (I really wanted double shear or heim joints), but it's the best I could do without rebuilding the rear bumper.